I really like Holbein's portrait of Sir Thomas More - it just conveys perfectly his dignity, intelligence, and fortitude. No, he was not a perfect man, but an admirable one nonetheless (unless you're a hardcore Protestant).

This is the ultimate mercy expressed in the history of Japanese art. "Avalokitesvara as a Merciful Mother" by Hogai Kano (1828-1888). Its colors and details are simply splendid. The artist must have been in a state of nirvana when he painted this.

And can you name them all? I was watching Deal or No Deal the other night and I realized, to my shame, that I could only remember one of their names. This is, I know, unAmerican, but I'm gonna study hard starting today until I've got all 26 memorized.

Dali made statements supporting Franco's Fascist regime, but the idea of him fighting in the Civil War (or anywhere else for that matter) is laughable. He was a posturing fool, posessing superb painting techniques and masterful drawing skills who made a few memorable images. The vast majority of his output was junk however, reflecting his obsession with masturbation. His house in Figueres in North Eastern Spain is full of the most hidious and vulgar trash. In a way it is a mirror of Dali himself, fascinating on the ouside, but with an interior full of disintegrating tinsle. He died a very sad, painful and lonely death there.

The two film's he is constantly credited with as works of genius were of course largely the work of Luis Bunuel. His collaboration with Hitchcock was just embarrassing for both men.

I really like Holbein's portrait of Sir Thomas More - it just conveys perfectly his dignity, intelligence, and fortitude.

I get the impression you are thinking about the character portrayed in A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, rather than seeing the image you have posted. Painted in 1527, Moore is depicted as an extraordinaryly wealthy courtier, dressed in fine fur lined velvet robes (which would have cost an absolute fortune then) singling him out as a person of wealth and power. He is represented in an ambigous, possibly exterior space, with what seems like a tent flap blowing open in the backgraound, hinting perhaps at his travels as a King's ambassador (Holbien's greatest surviving picture is arguably THE AMBASSADORS). Most tellingly, right at the centre of the portrait is a very large Tudor Rose hung round Moore's neck, the symbol of Henry VIII, a badge of his trust in Moore, Moore's alligence to Henry and a sign of Moore's authority as a representative of the King.

It would be six years after this painting was made that Moore would fall out with Henry, and he spent that period brutally putting people to death over such stupid and idiotic points of theology which would eventually see his own undoing. None of this is present however in Holbein's portrait of a rich, powerful and loyal servant of a Tudor king. A picture showing a man of "dignity, intelligence, and fortitude"? I don't see that in this image. Perhaps where Holbien's genius lies (and which makes his surviving pictures seem so "modern") is that he makes all such loyal servants appear just a little bit queasy and nervous?

Say what you want about Che....that he was dedicated to a false ideology, that he was less than forgiving of his political prisoners....whatever, I'll probably agree with you. But this image is is iconic, and I think it's a "Flat Out Great Picture". You go to Latin America today and you will see this picture plastered everywhere....on murals, on bumper stickers, etc. It's not an endorsement of Marxist-Leninism....but more a general symbol of protest of U.S. hegemony in the region, Latin American unity, etc.

That's probably the most famous artwork of Hokusai. He created 36 images with Mount Fuji as a series. This is one of them. I love this artwork too. In fact I used the wave in this image in one of my poster designs.

Perhaps amongst the youth crowd who have no real idea who Che was or what he was about, but tell any cuban over the age of 40 that Che was a hero and they will tell you to "f uck off".

Well I've never been to Cuba....and if you're speaking of the Miami Cuban exile community that's going to be a very different story than Cuba itself. But anyway, all I can really speak of is Peru, where I went.....and this image is everywhere. As I've said before, I don't think it has anything to do with an endorsement of Che or his ideology.

I get the impression you are thinking about the character portrayed in A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, rather than seeing the image you have posted. Painted in 1527, Moore is depicted as an extraordinaryly wealthy courtier, dressed in fine fur lined velvet robes (which would have cost an absolute fortune then) singling him out as a person of wealth and power. He is represented in an ambigous, possibly exterior space, with what seems like a tent flap blowing open in the backgraound, hinting perhaps at his travels as a King's ambassador (Holbien's greatest surviving picture is arguably THE AMBASSADORS). Most tellingly, right at the centre of the portrait is a very large Tudor Rose hung round Moore's neck, the symbol of Henry VIII, a badge of his trust in Moore, Moore's alligence to Henry and a sign of Moore's authority as a representative of the King.

I can only disagree. It is a wonderful picture.

Quote

It would be six years after this painting was made that Moore would fall out with Henry, and he spent that period brutally putting people to death over such stupid and idiotic points of theology which would eventually see his own undoing. None of this is present however in Holbein's portrait of a rich, powerful and loyal servant of a Tudor king. A picture showing a man of "dignity, intelligence, and fortitude"? I don't see that in this image. Perhaps where Holbien's genius lies (and which makes his surviving pictures seem so "modern") is that he makes all such loyal servants appear just a little bit queasy and nervous?

This is very true. More, like pretty much everyone in that time period, was a religious bigot, to be polite. Then again, pretty much any argument between different Christian groups is based on "stupid and idiotic points of theology" in my eyes, as an agnostic. It is interesting however that Robert Bolt, who was an atheist, felt that More - a religious zealot who was also a rather nasty misogynist from what I understand, and reportedly had a torture chamber in his house - was an admirable figure to write about. I will never deny More's failings and sins as a person, but I agree that he is worth remembering for his stand. Unlike most of the other martyrs of the time, he loved Henry as a friend and refused to speak out against him because he knew the reprecussions for England would be. More's only crime (well, that he could have been prosecuted for - going after Protestants wasn't likely to get him beheaded in Henrican England) was thinking differently from the King.

Of course, Holbein was a talented artist who pretty much conveyed what he wanted of the subjects. Ever see his portrait of Thomas Cromwell?

Well I've never been to Cuba....and if you're speaking of the Miami Cuban exile community that's going to be a very different story than Cuba itself. But anyway, all I can really speak of is Peru, where I went.....and this image is everywhere. As I've said before, I don't think it has anything to do with an endorsement of Che or his ideology.

Peru, so far as I know, never actually had to suffer his presence.

Guevarra was a mass-murdering Stalinist who wasn't even competent as a military leader, if you take a closer look at his record. Castro didn't even care for him, one of the reasons why Che ended up in Angola and Bolivia before being killed.

You don't like the dream sequence in Spellbound or the whole film? I adore that film, whilst it's no where near Hitch's best it still contains this wonderful almost 'woozy' atmosphere through all of it. And anything with Ingrid Bergman....

I guess my favourite pictures would be all my original posters I guess because of their rarity (I own a few that have only come up once for sale or for auction and that was mine). I've got a wonderful blow up photo of Grand Central Station sitting of my study desk and I am surrounded by images of the New York Skyline.

Guevarra was a mass-murdering Stalinist who wasn't even competent as a military leader, if you take a closer look at his record. Castro didn't even care for him, one of the reasons why Che ended up in Angola and Bolivia before being killed.

Right, but Peru has suffered (and still suffers, I believe) the presence of the Shining Path....a Marxist terrorist/insurgent organization. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shining_PathYet, Che's face is still everywhere.

Guevarra was a mass-murdering Stalinist who wasn't even competent as a military leader, if you take a closer look at his record. Castro didn't even care for him, one of the reasons why Che ended up in Angola and Bolivia before being killed.

And Groggy....I remember from our Hiroshima discussions, you were always one for context and I quite agree. When you're talking about him being a mass murderer, I assume you're talking about his summary executions of prisoners....and in the context of the Cold war in Latin America, my guess is that this "mass murder" you're talking about on Guevara's part is very, very tame compared to that perpetrated by the CIA and it's lackeys in countries such as Chile, Brazil, Argentina, etc. Ever heard of the "the disapeared"? Of course you have....you're on some history quiz game show! (If you haven't here's a quick taste: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Condor )

I've actually seen those before.....my opinion basically boils down to this:

He was a heroic guy willing to dedicate and ultimately lose his life toward what he thought was the betterment of his people. If you can agree with that, I think he deserves everybody's respect. I don't agree with his Marxist-Leninism, but I think Cuba at least is better under Castro than Batista.

I've posted pictures of my posters (which are my flat out great pictures) before so I thought I'd post pics of the ones that are on my 'next to buy' list which I think look incredible.

Hitchcock

(http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/2493/spellboundonesheet5ky1.jpg)

Continuing the Spellbound theme ;) I would love to own this original Australian One sheet. I love the two characters standing out against the enveloping black with the glinting razor hinting danger. Shame about the censor mark being where it it but I still think it's a wonderful poster

(http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/1466/rearwindowframedhx6.jpg)

This original Rear Window Australian Daybill has just great iconic artwork and I would love to own it.

(http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8223/birdsyi7.jpg)

This original The Birds Australian Daybill has a great image of Tippi being attacked by the birds and is rather vibrant

Film Noir

(http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/7137/blondeicelinenbi0.jpg)

This original Australian Daybill for the classic 'lost' noir Blonde Ice has great artwork and is also supposed to be the only one in existance.

(http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/9969/thieveshighway1shqm0.jpg)

I just love the stark artwork on this original Australian One Sheet for the classic Jules Dassin Noir Theives Highway

(http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/1379/outofthepastlinen2ma1.jpg)

The brilliant Out Of The Past is expertly represented by the beautiful artwork on this original Australian Daybill

(http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4581/rackettlinengj8.jpg)

Another great Mitchum Noir The Racket here again represented by great artwork on the original Australian Daybill

Westerns

(http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8747/gd100021xl1.jpg)

An Original Australian Daybill for the re-release of Shane in the late 50's

With all this Che Guevarra talk (I know its a little off-topic), I thought I'd ask....anyone seen the 1969 movie Che! ? Omar Sharif plays Che, and imdb has it at a 3.4 rating out of 180 votes, ouch :o. But it looks interesting, maybe one of those "so bad it's good" type movies, but with Sharif, Jack Palance, Woody Strode, Barbara Luna, Frank Silvera, it looks like its worth a watch.

Right....but the Cuban exiles of Miami represent a particularly militant group of anti-Castroists. Undoubtedly there are a few good things to say about Cuba....such as it's healthcare system. Cuba while being alot poorer has a lower infant mortality rate than the U.S.....a very impressive feat. It's even more impressive if you compare Cuba to it's economic equals which make upthe rest of Latin America.

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: The Firecracker on February 11, 2007, 01:45:22 PM

And yes, Jon, I'm aware of Operation Condor and other anti-Communist atrocities, but the difference is that the likes of Pinochet, Batista, etc. are not considered to be pop culture icons by millions of people around the world.

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: The Peacemaker on February 11, 2007, 03:47:39 PM

As for pathetic attacks, what was with that little phone call you left me dudley?

Don't know how you got my number (and I frankly don't care) but introducing yourself and telling me to go "Fuck myself" ( I thought a " you better go catch your fridge before it runs away" joke would have been more appropriate) is about as low as anybody can take it. What if my little brother was in the room?

My name's actually Jon (no "H")....and my last name is so unusual it makes me one of three people in the U.S. with it....the other two being my Dad and my grandfather. Long story short, it's not Dudley.

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: The Firecracker on February 11, 2007, 08:17:30 PM

My name's actually Jon (no "H")....and my last name is so unusual it makes me one of three people in the U.S. with it....the other two being my Dad and my grandfather. Long story short, it's not Dudley.

until I read Camille Paglia's BFI monograph on The Birds in which she sets the record straight.

Are you trying to be the master of suspense here Dave, or are you gonna tell us? I'm not going to rush out and read Paglia's book I'm afraid, the woman seemingly becomes more deranged with each year that passes. This is the same nutter who seems convinced that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper, seemingly based on the fact that he looked a bit shifty in a home movie shot of him standing in a garden as a very old man. "THE SONOFABITCH!!" she screamed.

Are you trying to be the master of suspense here Dave, or are you gonna tell us? I'm not going to rush out and read Paglia's book I'm afraid, the woman seemingly becomes more deranged with each year that passes. This is the same nutter who seems convinced that Walter Sickert was Jack the Ripper, seemingly based on the fact that he looked a bit shifty in a home movie shot of him standing in a garden as a very old man. "THE SONOFABITCH!!" she screamed.

Oh yes, I know the moment you mean. I am actualy a big Freudian when in comes to this picture, but I see the bird's hostility as a projection of Mitch's fears, desires and dream wishes, and not as everybody else seems to think, Melony Daniels. But that's a whole other thread...

This portrait by Bill Brandt was very important in my life. Titled FRANCIS BACON ON PRIMROSE HILL, I saw it some time in my early teens. I think it must have been in a music paper, the NME. At the time I had never been to London or even particularly had much idea of who Bacon was (or even what his paintings looked like).

However, the winter bleakness of the landscape and sense of sheer tension in both the framing and the expression of the subject's face had a powerful effect on me. It made me realise that photography could do and say things with as much gravity and complexity as painting (ironic as it's subject was a painter who used photography a lot as his inspiration. Not that I knew this at that time). Basicaly it made me want to pick up a camera and attempt to make pictures like this.

Eventually I realised that there was no point in trying to imitate another man's style, and I'd have to find of of my own, but this photograph above all started me on the road to image making, for better or worse...

This is a picture by another photographer who shook up how I looked at the world. In a way it's unfair to take it out of context, as I first saw it in a monograph of all the artist's most famous work.

I picked up the now classic photo book DIANE ARBUS when I was a young photography student many years ago, in the library of the college I was studying at then. At the time I flicked through this publication, I had never heard of Diane Arbus. I hated it so much I almost threw the thing away in disgust. Vile, exploitative and voyeuristic images of nudists, exhibitionists, pro-Vietnam war protesters, circus performers, people with Down's Syndrome, twins, dwarves, giants, distressed children, it was all too much.

However... The images stuck with me for weeks and I went back for another, almost guilty peek. They were expertly composed, and I use the term "composed" with more than one meaning. There was an intimacy and direct dialogue between the photographer and the subject which challenged that initial gut reaction of seamy voyeurism. How did she get most of these people to pose like this, so at ease with Arbus and her camera, so willing to expose themselves? Also there was the obvious technical brilliance of the exposure and the printing. These were not grabbed and grubby 35mm shots taken on the hoof. These have been shot with a cubersome 6x6 camera, in most cases with a flash-gun to "flatten" (rather than "model") the subject in daylight. The more I studied her work the more I was hooked, and even spent my last year at that college using a Mamiya C330 twin lens reflex camera (as Arbus did for many of her best images). Not the first time I have encountered art I hated at first, but went back to and totally changed my mind. Anyway, "shut up and show us the picture!":

If you wanna know more about Diane (pronounced "Dee-ann") Arbus, check out Google. You'll quickly see that Hollywood has used two of her best pics to create iconic cinematic moments -Buffalo Bill in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS with his cock tucked between his legs was taken from an Arbus photo from 1968, as was the disturbing image of the the twins in THE SHINING. Kubrick was an old aquaintence of Arbus's from New York. Her suicide in 1971 added to her "legend", but she remains,, for me, one of the greatest photographers who ever lived.

ETA: Sadly this was the biggest reproduction of the photograph I could find on web. Needs to be BIGGER!

if ever a picture said a thousand words, the 2nd clay/liston bout says it.i don't wish to cast any aspersions here. is big sony liston taking a nap ? :-X come on sonny ! get back up :'( howard cosell is is headed over to clay.) what happend champ ? ???

As long as LA put up some baseball pics, here's one of my all-time favorites. It's from the 1959 World Series with the Go-Go Sox. Outfielder Al Smith went back toward the fence in hope of robbing a Dodgers home run, but wasn't able to get it. However, a fan did make quite an effort, and this picture was born. ;D

Awesome pictures right there guys. I have a huge poster of that Babe Ruth one, and many Mickey Mantle framed posters in my house. I grew up in a Yankee household, my dad is a huge fan of Mickey Mantle. That's his idol. You'd love some of the stuff I have guy's.

Wow brother, that's some great stuff. You're a legit collector for sure. I love how you have that display cabinet showing off everything. Most of my stuff now is boxed up in storage because I'm moving. I, however am not bringing any of that stuff with me as of yet until I establich residency someday. I want that all safe.

I definatly know what you mean. I'm keeping all the boxses in case they need to be put back there. The case is from Ikea but is for their range of shops to display clothes in etc. The helmet is now on the second shelf. It's got a lovely smell of pine tar.

I definatly know what you mean. I'm keeping all the boxses in case they need to be put back there. The case is from Ikea but is for their range of shops to display clothes in etc. The helmet is now on the second shelf. It's got a lovely smell of pine tar.

Butkus, LT, Singletary, White, they were all great, but Nitschke was gruesome. Any player who lined up against him, felt it for a week.

Gruesome?! You want to talk about Gruesome?!?! Dick Butkus made Nitschke look like choir boy. He was the most gruesome SOB whoever played football. He didn't just want to tackle you, he wanted to hit you into the ground, and destroy you, period. His job was to kill you. hahaha I love reading and watching film about this guy. I have a Football highlights DVD that has a segment about Butkus. Former players who played against him had many things to say. HE WAS insane. lol

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: Man with no dame on May 27, 2007, 05:44:53 PM

Gruesome?! You want to talk about Gruesome?!?! Dick Butkus made Nitschke look like choir boy. He was the most gruesome SOB whoever played football. He didn't just want to tackle you, he wanted to hit you into the ground, and destroy you, period. His job was to kill you. hahaha I love reading and watching film about this guy. I have a Football highlights DVD that has a segment about Butkus. Former players who played against him had many things to say. HE WAS insane. lol

You remember Conrad Dobler, back in the 70s & early 80s? Now, he was insane. Favorite anecdote: Broke his arm in game, had to wear cast. Walks up to opposing bench during next game, and on TV japslaps a player with cast. See what the fine would be now for trying that. This guy loved the dirty fight.

You remember Conrad Dobler, back in the 70s & early 80s? Now, he was insane. Favorite anecdote: Broke his arm in game, had to wear cast. Walks up to opposing bench during next game, and on TV japslaps a player with cast. See what the fine would be now for trying that. This guy loved the dirty fight.

Wow, I have not heard the name Conrad Dobler in quite some time. It's funny, these guys we mentioned, you don't see football players like that anymore for the most part. Athletes today are pampered, and sit out games for the littlest injuries. It pisses me off.

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: Man with no dame on May 27, 2007, 07:21:18 PM

Wow, I have not heard the name Conrad Dobler in quite some time. It's funny, these guys we mentioned, you don't see football players like that anymore for the most part. Athletes today are pampered, and sit out games for the littlest injuries. It pisses me off.

Pampered & over-priced, doesn't help either that the head office has basically castrated the rule books, to have a kinder, gentler league.

Hey Tuc, how did we go from big ugly football players to Marilyn Monroe?

hahahaha, I know right? I figured we were straying off topic so I just posted a pic I loved. lol Anyway, Wilber Marshall was another great linebacker who I dearly love. Yes, I'm a die-hard Redskins fan.

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: Man with no dame on May 29, 2007, 03:58:44 PM

hahahaha, I know right? I figured we were straying off topic so I just posted a pic I loved. lol Anyway, Wilber Marshall was another great linebacker who I dearly love. Yes, I'm a die-hard Redskins fan.

I'm a Packer fan, but sort of, at one time, had to be a 'Skins fan when Lombardi coached them for a couple years.

You know what's funny, they call him the man in black...how come they don't call Roy Orbison the same? He always wore black from what I can remember.

(http://www.lookalike.com/lookalikes/images/roy-orbison.jpg)

(http://www.nndb.com/people/743/000024671/roypic.jpg)

Now your talkin' THE MAN!!! Saw Roy at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, a year before he died. His voice was as sweet as ever. Man, I miss him. One of a kind, Amigo. Great Pics O0 A candy colored clown they call the sandman.......... :'(

Now your talkin' THE MAN!!! Saw Roy at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, a year before he died. His voice was as sweet as ever. Man, I miss him. One of a kind, Amigo. Great Pics O0 A candy colored clown they call the sandman.......... :'(

Roy is one of my favorites my friend!!! I'm glad you like the pics. You have one up on me though. I'm to young to ever see him in concert, and boy, I can only imagine how great of an experience that was. Roy was one of a kind.

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: Man with no dame on June 04, 2007, 06:20:03 PM

Roy is one of my favorites my friend!!! I'm glad you like the pics. You have one up on me though. I'm to young to ever see him in concert, and boy, I can only imagine how great of an experience that was. Roy was one of a kind.

How's this for a great day of music. Roy, Fats Domino, Ry Cooder, Aaron Neville, Jerry Lee Lewis and 12 other stages with 40 + acts going on all day! For $7 bucks a ticket. That was in the late 80's. Wonder how much it costs now?

How's this for a great day of music. Roy, Fats Domino, Ry Cooder, Aaron Neville, Jerry Lee Lewis and 12 other stages with 40 + acts going on all day! For $7 bucks a ticket. That was in the late 80's. Wonder how much it costs now?

Wow, this was all in one concert for only $7?!?! Wow. Roy, Fats Domino, Ry Cooder, Aaron Neville, and Jerry Lee Lewis? Wow man, that's all I can say is WOW.

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: Man with no dame on June 04, 2007, 06:27:34 PM

Yeah, the beginning and end credits sequences. I love the shot and the ending credit sequence is one of the best I've ever seen. I love the beautiful music that goes along with it. Claudia's Theme that is.

That is a great shot. I think it's Newman though. Probably from Pocket Money (1972). I was reading about it recentlly. Terrence Malick worked on the script. I'd like to check it out. Have you seen this one?

Title: Re: Flat Out Great Pictures
Post by: Man with no dame on June 12, 2007, 08:04:40 AM

A long time ago. Your right, it is Newman. Had another shot of McQueen I was going to post. Must have had a brain fart! It happens. ;D ;D

this what i like about TB, he doesn't say things like "ZomG U r Teh Hawtnz!!" like certain other people

Thanks Atlas. I know exactly what you're saying Atlas. I just don't like it when people get overdramatic and say thinks like "you're smoking", "you're hot", "i want you to have my baby", or as you said, "zomg ur the hawtnz." That's uncalled for! There's nothing better to describe a girl than BEAUTIFUL.

Doisneau. Same as Monet: sorry to pick his most famous work, it's simply his best.(http://images-srv.leonardo.it/progettiweb/stabiae78/blog/Robert_Doisneau_Le_Baiser_de_lHotel_de_Ville_Kiss_at_the_Hotel_de__25_313.jpg)

Freed.(http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7016/freedharlem.jpg)

This one is not very representative of Depardon's work (telling the truth, I was looking for another photo by him and found this one), but still damn good.(http://www.mep-fr.org/actu/images/expo/rd_02b.jpg)

Already talked about that one.(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh70/whalestoephotos/bowiemug1.jpg)

Amazingly not famous pic of Rosa Parks (taken 2 minutes before the whole thing began).(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3410344571_4037f15abc.jpg)